MAYOR Tony Trotman, who raced in the 1976 RAC rally, said he would not arrive at the opening of Calne's motorcycle meet this Saturday on two wheels.

Coun Trotman, who rallied his British Leyland Morris Marina at international level, said he was delighted to have been asked to open the event, but admitted his first love was for four wheels not two.

The third annual motorcycle event is expected to be the biggest meet yet and more than 1,000 motorcyclists are expected to ride into town from across the country.

The event, which is organised by the Calne Rotary Club, is sponsored by Roadsure, Deceuninck and Westernprint.

This year the event will host three chapters of Harley Davidson riders from Bristol, Yeovil and the Midlands.

There will be vintage, classic and special interest bikes scattered around the town centre as well as a bike jumble, trade and club stands, accessories and a barbecue on the Wharf.

The Kings Arms pub in High Street will have live music all day and there will be jazz by the River Marden around midday.

Coun Trotman said: "I'm very pleased to be asked to open the event, which has gone from strength to strength in the past three years.

"It's an exciting event of great benefit to tourism and local trade in the town."

Former Gladiator Jane Omorogbe, known as Rio on the hit television series, who is a biking enthusiast and has presented several motorcycling shows, was due to open the event but pulled out because her schedule is overbooked.